Lecture Notes: Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Introduction to Bandura's Experiment

• Experiment on snake phobias to understand behavioral models.
• Patients observed others with snake phobias handling snakes without harm.
• Observations proved more effective than persuasion or psychologist handling snakes.

Core Concepts of Bandura's Theory

• Observational Learning: Importance of observing and imitating models.
• Reciprocal Causation Model: Interaction between behavior (B), environment (E), and person (P).
  • Behavior (B): Complexity, duration, skill.
  • Environment (E): Situation, roles, models, relationships.
  • Person (P): Cognition, self-efficacy, motives, personality.

Classroom Example

• Interaction of environment, personal factors, and behavior.
  • Teacher's lesson impacts student's cognition.
  • Students’ questions demonstrate personal factors influencing behavior.
  • Teacher’s response shows behavior influencing environment.

Bobo Doll Experiment

• 1961 study showing children imitating aggressive behavior without rewards.
• Demonstrated behavior isn't solely directed by reinforcement.

Functions of Models

• Cues for Behavior: Initiates similar behaviors in others.
• Strengthening/Weakening Restraints: Models show consequences of behavior.
• Demonstrating New Patterns: Important for socialization and learning.

Examples

• Hostess choosing utensils at a dinner party.
• Punishment of classmates influencing behavior norms.
• Media violence weakening behavioral restraints.
• Educational programs like Sesame Street modeling social values.

Vicarious Reinforcement and Punishment

• Vicarious Reinforcement: Positive feelings from observing others' rewarded behavior.
• Vicarious Punishment: Observing punished behavior influences observer's actions.

Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy

• Social Modeling: Observing others’ success.
• Mastery: Achieving goals and overcoming failures.
• Social Persuasion: Encouragement from others.
• Physical/Emotional State: Influences self-assessment of abilities.

Conclusion

• Social cognitive theory involves behavior, personality, and environment.
• Vicarious reinforcement/punishment affects behavioral choices.
• Application: Overcoming fear of snakes by observing others.